Dearest uncle joe this is your third year in heaven. We always carry you in our hearts. Everywhere we go and we see your beautiful smile and your patient understanding and your kind words that you’ve given all of us truly a role model for me since I’ve been a little girl And I’ll take so much of the knowledge and wisdom that I learned from you into this world. Thank you for being who you were and who you are and we’re gonna carry your legacy on forever until we get to see you again. I love you uncle joe forever

Joseph, you would have been 67 years old today. 

During this third year without you, the adrenaline of doing, and coping, finally yielded to a sustained slump of sadness. Yet there’s more to do: I’m making a list of improvements to our home since 1996, for the purpose of calculating capital gains tax.

The hundreds of receipts from your files are reminders of your focus and tirelessness. The enormity of your intelligence and care are reflected in the DIY materials whose abbreviations and purposes mystify me. You carried all that knowledge and all those projects. I appreciate you more than ever.

Thank you my dear for your gifts of love, skill, research, determination, honor, and integrity. Meara and I miss your kindness, sweetness, and support and are deeply grateful for your devotion to our home and our family.

On your birthday, I also pay tribute to our families and friends whose support has meant everything.

With ever-present love,
Maureen

What I Miss....
I still miss Joe. As we get close to the 2-year anniversary of his passing, I still remember Joe's wonderful soul. I wanted to finally say a few words about my Florida brother-in-law and the fond memories I have of him.

I remember visiting Maur and Joe in Indiana. I traveled with my daughter Colleen who was maybe 6 or 7 and I remember Joe canon--balling into the pool at their apartment, to Colleen's extreme delight. She coined the nickname, Joe-fish, and we have used it ever since.

And speaking of children, Joe connected to kids so well. I have pictures of Joe challenging Christine to a chess game, swimming with Colleen, spoiling Zoe with a gator neck pillow at the airport, playing "Exploding Kitties," Zoe grabbing his hand as we hiked, kneeling so he could be on my kids' level. He didn't need to tell kids he liked them, they knew it.

When we visited Maur and Joe, they both tried so hard to make our trip exciting and fun. We traveled to Sarasota for a circus, we saw a mermaid show in Weeki Watchee, (Zoe was mermaid crazy at the time), we biked the Pinellas Trail, and sometimes we just wanted to go to the beach. And beach plans were not that easy--blankets, coolers, clothes, sunscreen, snacks, umbrellas, shade tents. Never did either of my hosts complain about the extra work our trips caused.

Joe and his camera. He was always documenting people, places and things. As he took multiple pictures of Meara at her graduation, I snapped a picture of him taking her picture. That was Joe. And what's more, he would share those pictures with us so we had memories as well.

Joe and sports. I can't tell you how shocked I was when he passed away. The man was a beast when it came to sports and physical activity. Swimming, running, soccer, football, biking, kayaking--whatever sport he put his mind to, he excelled in.

Joe and selflessness. If you needed help, Joe would drop what he was doing and he would help you out. I too have a story where Joe guided me as I drove from Daytona Beach to their house in St Pete before GPS made it so easy. I called every few hours so I knew I was on the right path. He volunteered for coaching jobs, writing gigs, lacrosse, marching band, neighborhood needs. If you had a computer problem, the man to see was Joe. And if it stumped Joe, he would figure it out, no matter how long it took. When we decided to move to Florida and found a house the same day we had to fly back home, Maureen and Joe took a tour for us, doing a video of course, and Joe even took "noise readings" so we knew as much about the house as we could.

Joe was a listener. When he asked you a question, he really cared how you answered. He made eye contact; he asked for clarification. He might have cocked his brow a bit if he wasn't agreeing with you but he really did care what you thought. And that is why people felt important when they interacted with him. He cared.

Joe and the house. Man, did he love that house--its history, its style, its innumerable problems. When Maureen held the memorial last year, she was so proud of the house being finished. It was a monumental task and I think Joe was smiling too.

Joe was smart. He knew a great deal and what he didn't know, he researched. The guy was best friends with his computer. He welcomed learning new skills and I always admired that.

Joe always wanted us to look for dolphins in the Bay. We would walk to the water after dinner and be on the lookout for dolphins. We actually never saw dolphins when we were with him. But I have seen them since. And when I see a dolphin, I think of Joe. I still miss him and all the qualities that made him such a special human being.

Happy birthday to you, sweet Joseph. This would have been 66! Wherever you are at the moment, may you be digging into some chocolate cake (nothing "too rich" haha) while you drink your glass of milk sideways to facilitate reading the newspaper.

For any who might read this, I've had some interesting experiences in our home that make me think Joe is present in some form. Like the 2 weeks that the timer on the oven inexplicably made a constant humming noise, only to mysteriously turn off. And the lantern on the side porch that operates with a remote, but turned on 2 nights in a row all by itself. And Joseph, did you by chance send, to our backyard, the gorgeous marmalade kitty with extra toes and beautiful markings, now named Mango? I also can imagine you inhabiting Spanky, the senior loving kitty as he sleeps next to me with a paw on my hand.

I will post a pic of your memorial gumbo limbo tree in Crescent Lake park. It's growing so well, after surviving Hurricane Ian.

I find it comforting to talk to you Joseph - even out loud. I can imagine you, from the beyond, helping me figure out some of the vexing tech or home maintenance things that I've learned to handle now. It's been nice to call on you, and I honestly feel the support.

Gotta go see a client! My tears of missing you and premature loss of opportunity for you and us are mixed with tears of gratitude for all we had. You must be proud of Meara too. She is amazing.

With boundless love,
Maureen

At Maureen's request, I am posting the poem I read at Joe's Memorial Service on May 28, 2022. 

Ode to Joe

I ran to the beach and Joe was there.
We made it to the bay in time to see the sun rise,
Orange as a tangerine

And I heard him say, “Have you ever seen a bird dance on the water?”
There. A white heron. Skittering across the surface, flapping and bobbing
To the tune of the morning

A quarter mile further along the path, two fishermen launching their rowboat
Smiling, hopeful.
Nods to the landlubbers.

And further still, a sign poking out of the calm water declaring “Idle Speed”
And two pelicans sitting on top,
Still as a painting.

And Joe would have laughed, that laugh that we all know, the one that shook His whole being.
He would have laughed at the irony of the idle birds, wished
The hopeful fishermen goodspeed,
Declared the sunrise: perfect.

Around the bend of the path near the bridge, the sun disappears for a while behind a cluster of trees,
But Joe reminds me that you can still see the sun reflected in the water.
His smile is still here in Meara’s smile, in Maureen’s hugs,
In every heart he touched.

I turn to head back and now the seascape is on my left, and the boulevard of Coffee Pot Bayou, of multi-million dollar homes, is on my right. 
“Pedal off the metal,” Joe whispers.

So we keep our gaze toward the water, and the sun is above the trees again,
And we breathe in and out together. 
Have you ever seen a bird dance on the water?

I am posting this email excerpt to Meara and me from our friend Jeremy Geller, with Jeremy's and Meara's permission:

Joe and I go back to 1983 or '84, when he started his business degree at Wash U and moved in with me at 7201 Tulane. He was in the other room when Manisha's toothbrush turned up on the bathroom sink in '84, so in a funny way, is part of our long history as well! We felt an affinity from the start (or at least I for him). It was his easy-going manner, understated humor, quick laugh, unassuming but extraordinary competence, intellectual and practical curiosity, kindness and concern for others, political and social engagement -- just to scratch the surface -- that were all parts of first impressions that lasted through the years. In the midst of his pressure-cooker graduate program, I remember his struggles with the balky fuel injection in his white BMW. He introduced me to one of my favorite record albums (Little Feat, "Waiting for Columbus"), which decades later I discovered was an anomaly in his collection that he never really liked, although he knew at the time that I would. He went with me to see Peter, Paul, and Mary at the Fabulous Fox. Soon after he moved in I remember a long night with Joe and a bottle of Jim Beam. I don't remember whose bottle, or whose idea it was to drink it, and it was not a characteristic occurrence for either of us. The hours that followed did not go well for me. I think the topic was relationships among other things, of course in the dark ages before Maureen and Manisha. He was kinetic. There was always something falling, something retrieved, something in process. It was part of the package of living with him; it never worried or bothered me; it was part of the fun. I remember another time heading back from a bar (honestly, not characteristic) and finding that St. Louis had become encased in ice. Slipping and sliding seemed to fit.

He was a friend who was always a friend -- as are you -- when opportunity knocked to meet at your home in Florida a couple of times after a long hiatus, and since then here in Connecticut. We picked up the old rapport, and evolved it, without missing a beat. I discovered in those recent visits to Florida Joe, the chicken-whisperer. I had never before understood chickens without the cellophane. I learned from his compassion for the birds, and his ability to foster the peaceful co-existence between birds and cat. Naturally Joe would have a deep bond with a cat, at least to my perception as one with a lifetime of deep bonds to cats. And the house, with all the detail and charm, and hidden secrets (like the built-in blender base), and the antique mogul-base floor lamps in the living room. I don't know where Joe ends and Maureen and Meara begin in these things, but that's kind of the point in families and old friendships and the view from a distance.

Meara, the last time I saw you you were a high-school senior or junior. It is a wonder to see the child of a person you've known and loved a long while -- even a child almost grown up -- and to search her face and mannerisms for the familiar and to think of how she was made who she is and the legacy she carries. My last time spent with Joe coincided with a rough patch for you and was permeated with the love and concern of a parent for a child, and person for his family. I'm almost a stranger to you Meara, but forgive me this familiarity, born of mine with your parents: wear that love -- your legacy -- joyfully, like a garment against the world's chill.

In remembrance and solidarity,

Jeremy

I met Joe while serving on the Board of HONNA around 2007. He seemed quiet, was soft spoken and very attentive with a keen intelligence. I knew right away I would like him. He always appeared when there was a task no one on the Board knew how to handle. Just like he showed up EVERY time I called him to help with reorganizing our HONNA website and create ways we could store our business files. He never said no, he just asked, when could I meet with him. He was so selfless he was easy to love. Gratitude never seemed enough to describe how he left you feeling about his altruism. Joe just had an innate kindness that he carried like a halo around him.
I am reading for the first time about his passing and I am heartsick that I didn’t take him up on his offer to have coffee and catch up. I shall miss your rare and inimitable way of making me, and others, feel so special in your company, Joe. I am sure God has you close by his side because you were surely an angle here on earth.
Maureen, you and your family must be very special, indeed, for Joe to have chosen you all. May God bless your family and keep you all safe.

Maureen S

Here is how I knew Joe in college. He did not value flattery. It irritated him. He was a good friend to friends, and made effort to be so. He was no one’s enemy. When Joe listened you could tell he was a sincere thinking listener and concerned. He would prefer to remain in the background.

He had confidence. He had a wide range of interests. He enjoyed his Karate, and flute. I think he preferred sunsets to sunrises. He would take time to go enjoy them with or without others, but I think he preferred to share. It was quiet time. It was separate from the day's goings on and belonged to the observer. I think that came from Fort Meyers. He loved family.

He loved his Toyota Celica. It was a stick. When he drove it, he loved to shift those gears. Curves and downshifting did not intimidate him. It may have been skiing on wheels. It was fun driving with him. Add to that, you always had a good feeling when getting into Joe’s car. I never skied with Joe, but I can imagine the joy.

He wasn’t impressed by pretension. He was accepting. I can’t name anyone who was more solid than Joseph O’Connor. I recognize him in the comments as the same person I knew. I believe that those who had contact with Joe have something that is as solid as he was. I learned a lot from Joe in the listening, the appreciation of sunsets, and his perspective about what was important. I appreciate that I spent time with him. I am sorry for the loss.

Dear Maureen, I had to write you to express my sadness with Joe's passing.

I always admired and respected Joe. He was so friendly and gracious to Kathy and me and we always thought you were the perfect couple. I can remember your wedding in St. Louis like it was yesterday--what a beautiful, warm, sunny day. Kathy and I were so happy to see you two tie the knot and welcome Joe into the family.

I can't even begin to imagine your grief and sorrow. I'm so sorry. Please know that I'm thinking of you and your daughter in these difficult days. Joe was one in a million who was loved and respected by all who met him.

Much love your way.

Posted from Rick Carson with his permission:

Back in 2002 when I first met Joe, he was a co-conspirator in convincing me to be the editor of the neighborhood association quarterly newsletter, a responsibility I ended up having for 14 years. Maybe I'm crazy to be grateful for his persuasive skills, but I am most appreciative of him that I had that opportunity.

For those many years as editor and also serving on the HONNA board, we could always count on Joe to apply his considerable analytical skills to tackle the many challenging, detail-oriented tasks -- like those involving membership and mailing lists -- that no one else would take on or, more importantly, do as well as Joe could do them. Most recently, we frequently commiserated via email about the state of the country and its politics. For that and so much more, I will miss this kind gentleman and his friendship. His presence was a true gift for those of us who were privileged to have Joe in our lives.

Hello everyone,

As long as it's safe, the rescheduled date for Joe's gathering is Saturday, May 28, 2022, which is during Memorial Day weekend. 

It will be at the originally scheduled time, 2:00 to 5:00 pm, at the The St. Petersburg Woman's Club, 40 Snell Isle Blvd NE, St. Pete 33704, about 5 minutes from our home.

Thank you!
Love,
Maureen

Hello dear family and friends,

Due to the COVID numbers here and the potential for things getting worse
in the upcoming weeks, after much thought I have decided to postpone
Joe's 9/25/21 remembrance gathering.

For those who had already planned travel, I am so sorry about the
inconvenience/cost you may incur.

Soon I will be able to get future available dates from the St.
Petersburg Woman's Club, and after I check with all siblings I'll let
everyone know the new date with plenty of advance notice.

I am even considering May 2022, the 1-year anniversary of his passing.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

With love and gratitude,
Maureen (and Meara)

My memories of Joe are centered in the beautiful home in St Pete. I went there usually to see Maureen or to drop off my daughter Kati to babysit Meara. Joe was always kind and gracious. On my first visit, he gave me a tour of the house and shared their plans for restoring it. His intelligence was sharp and unassuming. In subsequent visits, Joe was always welcoming and his presence gentle and kind. I always enjoyed talking with Joe. Many years have passed since the last time I saw Joe. I will never forget his Spirit.

Hello Everyone,
We will hold a gathering to remember Joe on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the St. Petersburg Woman's Club at 40 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg, 33704: http://www.stpetersburgwomansclub.org/facility/venue-location
Please email Maureen at mmcorbett@mindspring.com if you have any questions.

My Brother Joe.
It took me a while to center myself enough to author my thoughts on Brother Joe.
Every time I began to write, so many emotions and memories flooded forth, and I was not able to put how I felt about Joe into words. The feelings and essence of Joe are more than words can reveal.
However, I shall attempt to describe the Brother, the Man, the Father, the Friend we all knew and loved.
The very first time I met Joe was when Trish introduced me to her Brother and his wife Maureen in September 1994. I noticed his eyes smiled first with a sincere warmth, then his lips presented a big grin that made me feel welcome and cared for in an instant. This is Brother Joe.
Then the firm handshake and hug showed me the intense and caring man that he is. Once again within a few seconds I felt like I belonged. This is Brother Joe.
We discussed Work, Home. Family, Spiritualism, and even Politics. Joe shared every topic with complete honesty and a devotion to each topic. I realized I had met someone I could share my beliefs openly, without any recrimination or disbelief. This is Brother Joe.
Trish and I continued to get to know each other, and I was included in every Holiday in 1994 and Mom’s Birthday in 1995. Joe and Maureen were present at each family get together, and I discovered a profound deep feeling of Family in Joe. He genuinely wanted to know what was going on with each Brother, Sister, Mother and Father and offered to help if assistance was needed. This is Brother Joe.
Trish and I married in May 1995, and it was Joe’s idea to blow bubbles, rather than throw rice. It was absolutely wonderful. I will always remember Joe trying to blow bubbles while he smiled with joy that his Sister had found a Partner and he had found another Brother. This is Brother Joe.
If I remember correctly, it was late summer or early fall 1996 when Joe and Maureen moved to St Petersburg. They rented a house that we will always remember as the “Artist” house. Everywhere you looked there was a painting, or a sculpture. This is where I discovered Joe had a passion for older architecture and preservation of historic homes. So, it was no surprise when he and Maureen purchased a home in St Petersburg in July 1996 that was almost 80 Years old. Joe was living his dream to restore, protect and LIVE in a Historic home. They went to auctions and collected some priceless period pieces that complemented the home in special, artistic ways. This is Brother Joe.
I remember when Joe and Maureen announced that they were pregnant. Maureen was glowing with the energy of a “mother to be”. But Joe was almost floating with joy as he shared the most wonderful news. Over the next few months, he would share the special things he wanted to do and share with their child as they grew into Adulthood. He was preparing to be the best Father any child would want. This is Brother Joe.
Then Miss Meara was born in November 2000 and Joe was the most special Dad. He cared deeply for Maureen and his new daughter Meara. Joe and Maureen made sure that Meara grew up in a loving home that revered family. All three were highly active with all Grandparents and the sisters and brothers. They never missed any special holidays with family. Joe also was there for Meara in any endeavor she chose to pursue. Joe was a soccer coach when Meara played soccer and a band patriarch with Meara’s rock and roll band. Everything he could do to be with her in her growth endeavors. This is Brother Joe.
Joe also supported Maureen in her pursuit of her Psychology practice. He set up all the accounting so Maureen could focus on her clients. This is Brother Joe.
He also was greatly involved with the community and helped any way he could. He worked tirelessly with city and county elected officials to assist in their campaigns and in any other activities that supported the community. This is Brother Joe.
When his mother required some nursing care he thoughtfully, and with deep compassion, organized her treatment, and visited almost every day. He was a loving, caring Son. When she passed, he was there with her and worked diligently with his Dad, to provide a most loving and caring tribute to his mother for all the family. This is Brother Joe.
When his Dad died a few months later he once again worked diligently with the family to provide a loving and compassionate tribute the Patriarch of the Family. This is Brother Joe.
The passing of his Brother Jim affected the entire family. Joe felt the passing of a Brother deeply, and it seemed to cause some introspection into family. He always collected family memorabilia but seemed to have a new urgency to collect even more family items for posterity. When John becomes ill the desire to collect more family memories became even more profound. When I was scanning all the family photos that were passed to Trish when the parents passed, Joe was extremely excited to get the copies. When Trish and I visited Joe and Maureen early in 2021 and I gave Joe the 7,600 copies he was genuinely excited. Very soon after Joe had the photos categorized and placed in very distinct folder for easy recovery. He shared these photos with the entire family. This is Brother Joe.
When brother John passed, Joe seemed peaceful and content. Joe realized that Brother John had been extremely uncomfortable with his health for the past year, and he knew John was now at peace. This is Brother Joe.
When time came for Joe to pass, he did it in private so Maureen or Meara would not feel the anguish of witnessing the event. He loved unconditionally and completely his family, his community, and his life.
This is Brother Joe.

I had the priveledge of knowing Joe for over forty years. He was the best of friends, and one of the kindest people I have ever known. So many stories! Taking karate class together and stretching out every night in the weight room with the basketball players. The time he got a concussion from water skiing. The time he taught bread baking in winter mini-session. The time five of us went camping and it turned out to be day 1 of deer season. The long drives home from Davidson to Fort Myers listening to his mix tapes. Him teaching me to drive a stick on the long drives home, listening to mix tapes. Backpacking across Europe, where Joe made friends everywhere we went. Visiting and getting to know every member of his family, because that is who he was. Getting a letter about the first time he met Maureen. And another when he became a father. Joe always made and kept friends. I would go momths or even years without hearing from him, then suddenly get a letter/email that picked right up where we left off, as if no time had passed at all. I will surely miss him but feel blessed to have had him in my life for as long as I did.

When I think of Joe, I think of his warm smile, his great questions and listening ear. I also think of great memories with him. Of Dad’s 5 siblings, Joe was the uncle I was able to log the most time with because of his time living close to us in Missouri. He was a fun uncle! He got Doreen (my sister) and I to go sledding on these large black inner tubes on the snowy hills of St. Joseph, Missouri. It was so much fun! He bought me my first album. I didn’t care that it was Little River Band:), I just thought it was cool my uncle bought me an album! I so looked up to him and my uncle Charles when they biked around Ireland. He brought me back several things and one was a small piece of china, which I still have sitting on my dresser. He was always so thoughtful. He also took Doreen and I on a road trip to Florida to see family in his BMW (which I also thought was pretty cool).

But my most recent favorite memory was 2 years ago when he volunteered to pick me up at the train station outside of DC. for my Uncle Jim’s memorial service. Of course, like always, I was greeted with his warm smile, good questions and listening ear. I loved that time with him. I was reminded again what a thoughtful, kind and loving person he was. He is so loved and missed.

My brother -in-law, Joe, was a special person dedicated to the family. Joe made a beautiful wedding quilt for Michael and I in 1977. A wonderful gesture that showed the kind and thoughtful man that Joe was. The quilt is still with us almost 44 years later and will continue to be a precious reminder of Joe and all the love he brought to those around him.

Happy 33rd Anniversary to my Beloved Joseph! I will post a few photos for you Honey. I am crying as much as I am writing right now. They are good tears. As Marvel's Vision said, "What is grief, if not love persevering?" I have faith you are feeling the immense love from everyone who is expressing it here and otherwise to me and Meara, in appreciation of all you are and will be, in our hearts forever.

Here are quotes about you from 2 letters I wrote to my friend Clare when I was 23 years old, 4 months after I met you Joseph, that she found and shared with me yesterday: "We've been dating since November and have really fallen STONE IN LOVE. Neither of us can believe that somebody didn't snatch the other up at some earlier point...He's also just a wonderful human being--very bright, feeling, mature, independent, feminist, forward thinking, & well rounded. An excellent listener....I'm VERY blessed...It's a cycle of goodness."

Joseph, you told me, earlier on the day you died, that you guessed you would be 90% better the next day, 100% the next. You were undyingly optimistic. I believe you are 100% now.

After you died, at your place at the kitchen table, I found 4 instructions you had written in your notebook to yourself:

*Pedal off the Metal*
Some things can wait.
Some things need to be first.
Better estimate time; set clock.
Have fun but set a clock.

Well my dear, I want you to be first now. Everything can wait. You don't have to estimate your time better now, and you don't have to set a clock for fun. I hope your spirit is resting, reading, learning, and enjoying, in beautiful ease. You are loved, so deeply, by all of us.

Your pal,
Maureen

Joe and Maureen were the first of the O'Connor clan I met when Charles and I began dating and Charles let me know that his brother Joe was one of the most important and beloved people in his life. The conversations Joe and I shared through the years ranged from Florida history to contemporary politics to the local art scene and I always left time with Joe having learned something new. What I will miss most though is his quick smile, his inquisitive nature, and the many ways he shared his love for Meara, Maureen, and family.

When I asked Joe about where to look for a home in the Tampa area, he provided a comprehensive list with the pros and cons of each area. From what I’ve learned, this was typical Joe. He was definitely one of the good guys.

I had the pleasure of working with Joe the last few years and appreciated his authenticity and humble hard working nature he possessed. I am very sorry for his family's loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Scott Price -A-LIGN

My dear brother Joseph died on Sunday night of an aortic dissection, 64 years old. It happened very quickly without possible intervention. The rest of the family had just returned from our oldest brother's funeral (who was my idol growing up, and I loved him dearly), and we lost another brother 2 years ago. I miss Joe terribly, and texted him love and support a few hours before.
We shared so many laughs and adventures - I was 3 years older and taught him math and reading after returning home from grade school every day. We spent 5 weeks bicycle camping in Ireland and Great Britain, earned Eagle Scout awards in Boy Scouts, were altar boys together, and shared a love of photography, irony, science, chess, computers, reading, humor, and the natural world. Joe had a phenomenally incisive -retentive mind and was one of the smartest, yet thoughtful people I knew. I feel so lucky to have shared time with him and his family, but will be grieving for a very long time.

I knew Joe as a fellow parent (our daughters are friends), a friend to me and more recently we served together on the Board of the IB Boosters - just one of many places Joe gave his time to. Joe was always thoughtful, kind, and helpful to me. He was a joy to speak with as he was always intellectually curious, open minded, and he had a great sense of humor. On the Board of the IB Boosters Joe was always helpful and giving of his time and knowledge. I just got an email from him a few months ago, over a year since Meara graduated, asking if we needed his help migrating one of our websites. I miss him. Beth Forys

Every time I picture Joe he is smiling or offering to help out in some way and always with such a calm and gentle demeanor. I got to see a lot of him during the Sunflower years when our girls were playing hard in the yard!
So sorry he’s gone so soon, so sorry for the loss to Maureen and his beloved Meara.
Alastair

I knew Joe as Maureen and Joe's midwife. He was truly a gentle soul. He was the epitome of kind - one of the very kindest people I have ever known. He will be missed. His presence will forever bless those who had the privilege to know him.

Joe will always be remembered as my Beloved Brother who was genuine with his Kindness and Caring ways. Joe was the true definition of the phrase,
"A Gentle Man" because his demeanor, words and actions could be counted on to be Gentle and Calm in all situations. Our World is a Better Place with the  Gentle Souls like Joe who will Always be thought of with Appreciation and Deep Love. I am Blessed and Honored to be his sister. Trish Reynolds